IMPORTANT MANAGEMENT UPDATE
For decades, a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), ten states, and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Forest Service, the national Slow the Spread (STS) program has effectively reduced the spread of spongy moth populations; an invasive and destructive forest pest, by greater than 60%. The MDA has used aerial spongy moth management to protect our state from devastating forest damage and significant economic losses.
Due to budget uncertainties and significant allocation delays within the USDA Forest Service, the MDA was notified that Minnesota would not receive the federal funding needed in time for proper implementation of Btk aerial management operations. This has forced the MDA to cancel all Btk management for 2025, which was 12 high-priority spongy moth infestations in five Minnesota counties totaling 2,752 acres.
Specifically, these cuts affect treatments in Anoka, Carlton, Itasca, St. Louis, and Winona counties, and the cities of Coon Rapids, Grand Rapids, and Winona.
As a result, the MDA will be removing all proposed Btk management areas from our treatment map and closing all Btk email/text notification signups.
The MDA is still moving forward with all mating disruption (product SPLAT GM-O) treatments. The MDA will continue to work within our state program to monitor spongy moth populations and to advocate for the best possible management strategies in the future.
SPLAT GM-O is completely non-toxic and harmless to humans and animals. All the ingredients in SPLAT GM-O are listed by the EPA's as safe and allowable for use in organic food production.
Scientific research shows that SPLAT GM-O is not harmful to humans. Individuals with a weakened immune systems or serious food allergies may choose to avoid any potential for exposure by staying indoors during and at least 30 minutes after the treatment, or leaving the area during the application.
SPLAT GM-O is not toxic to humans, other mammals, fish, birds, or honeybees. SPLAT GM-O is biodegradable and uses pheromones to disrupt the mating activities of the spongy moth. It is a non-lethal means of control.
SPLAT GM-O is not toxic to humans, other mammals, fish, birds, or honeybees. SPLAT GM-O is biodegradable and uses pheromones to disrupt the mating activities of the spongy moth. It is a non-lethal means of control.
SPLAT GM-O is formulated to specifically target the spongy moth. It will not impact the mating activities of other insects.
SPLAT GM-O is formulated to specifically target the spongy moth. It will not impact the mating activities of other insects.
SPLAT GM-O will not harm the paint on your vehicle or outdoor structures. It won't cause any damage and can be easily washed off. To clean it from surfaces, use a mild detergent and water to wash the product off as you would road grime. Clothing can be cleaned with hot water and laundry detergent.
SPLAT GM-O will not harm the paint on your vehicle or outdoor structures. It won't cause any damage and can be easily washed off. To clean it from surfaces, use a mild detergent and water to wash the product off as you would road grime. Clothing can be cleaned with hot water and laundry detergent.
SPLAT GM-O is not toxic to humans, other mammals, fish, birds, or honeybees. SPLAT GM-O is biodegradable and uses pheromones to disrupt the mating activities of the spongy moth. It is a non-lethal means of control.
SPLAT GM-O is formulated to specifically target the spongy moth. It will not impact the mating activities of other insects.
SPLAT GM-O will not harm the paint on your vehicle or outdoor structures. It won't cause any damage and can be easily washed off. To clean it from surfaces, use a mild detergent and water to wash the product off as you would road grime. Clothing can be cleaned with hot water and laundry detergent.
